The Motion Picture Academy that dispenses the Oscars acknowledged Monday that the group was "heartbroken" over the lack of diversity in this year's Oscar acting nominations, and pledged to make "big changes."

"I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion. This is a difficult but important conversation, and it's time for big changes," said Cheryl Boone Isaacs, the president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Here's the statement below:

STATEMENT FROM ACADEMY PRESIDENT CHERYL BOONE ISAACS

I'd like to acknowledge the wonderful work of this year's nominees. While we celebrate their extraordinary achievements, I am both heartbroken and frustrated about the lack of inclusion. This is a difficult but important conversation, and it's time for big changes. The Academy is taking dramatic steps to alter the makeup of our membership. In the coming days and weeks we will conduct a review of our membership recruitment in order to bring about much-needed diversity in our 2016 class and beyond.

As many of you know, we have implemented changes to diversify our membership in the last four years. But the change is not coming as fast as we would like. We need to do more, and better and more quickly.

This isn't unprecedented for the Academy. In the '60s and '70s it was about recruiting younger members to stay vital and relevant. In 2016, the mandate is inclusion in all of its facets: gender, race, ethnicity and sexual orientation. We recognize the very real concerns of our community, and I so appreciate all of you who have reached out to me in our effort to move forward together.

Best actor nominee Eddie Redmayne has been killing it this award season style-wise. The "Theory of Everything" star was stylish in a navy tux beside. His wife Hannah Bagshawe stunned in an intricate gown with a Grecian silhouette and ethnic details. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Mom-to-be Keira Knightley looked straight out of a fairytale in a pretty embroidered gown and natural curls. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Kerry Washington was absolutely flawless in a chic white gown with a satin bodice and textural skirt. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Envy-inducing couple Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo nabbed the spotlight on the red carpet. The Maroon 5 lead singer went for a simple black tux, and let his wife shine. The Victoria's Secret model wowed in a speckled black and red number and gunmetal accessories. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

"How To Get Away With Murder" star Viola Davis looked elegant in a cream-colored off-the-shoulder gown. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage)

Ava DuVernay showed off her personal style in a blue gown with Eastern-inspired bell sleeves. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Gwyneth Paltrow looked gorgeous in a pink one-shoulder gown with a floral shoulder detail. A sleek ponytail and earrings completed the actress's modern look. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

Chris Pratt and Anna Faris sure clean up nice! The "Guardians of the Galaxy" star looked handsome in a tux, while his comedian wife dazzled in a shimmery ballroom gown. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)